Top Five Travel Destinations for Firework Enthusiasts

When the January blues hit, there’s no better remedy than a little daydreaming about your next holiday—preferably one that involves fireworks, good food, and a glass of something chilled in hand.

While winter might have you wrapped up in a duvet, the rest of the world is already getting ready to light up the skies with some of the most spectacular firework displays you’ll ever see.

Whether you fancy ringing in the new year in Sydney or celebrating America’s independence in New York, there’s no shortage of jaw-dropping festivals to add to your 2025 travel calendar.

We’ve rounded up the top 5 firework festivals around the world, so you can start planning now for an unforgettable year of celebration.

Cannes, France – International Fireworks Festival

Cannes may be best known for its glitzy film festival, but come summer, it swaps red carpets for dazzling pyrotechnics in one of the world’s most prestigious fireworks competitions. The International Fireworks Festival takes place across several nights in July and August, turning the French Riviera into a theatrical stage for explosive performances that put your local Bonfire Night efforts to shame.

What Makes It Special?

This isn’t your average five-minute fireworks display at a New Year’s Eve party. The Cannes festival is a fierce competition between some of the world’s best pyrotechnic teams, who battle it out for the highly coveted Vestale d’Argent (basically, the Oscars of fireworks). Each night, a different country puts on a 25-minute display synchronised to music, designed to wow both the crowd and the panel of expert judges.

The fireworks are launched from barges floating in the Bay of Cannes, meaning the whole city gets a front-row seat to a kaleidoscope of colour bursting over the Mediterranean. Add to that the balmy summer nights, the scent of sea air, and a glass of local rosé in hand, and you’ve got yourself a holiday worth bragging about.

What to Expect

Expect huge crowds, particularly along the famous Croisette promenade, where people gather hours before the show starts to claim the best spots. The displays typically start at 10 pm, but getting there early is key if you want a prime viewing position. If standing shoulder to shoulder with thousands of excitable spectators isn’t your thing, you can book a table at one of the many beachfront restaurants or even hop on a boat for a VIP experience watching from the water.

The atmosphere is electric, with each show building up to an extravagant grand finale. And because the event runs across multiple nights, you can see several displays if you time your visit well.

Budgeting for Your Trip

Cannes is not the cheapest of destinations – it’s got a reputation for luxury, and some restaurants will happily charge you the price of a small car for a bottle of wine. That said, you can do it on a budget if you plan wisely. The fireworks are completely free, so if you’re happy to grab some snacks from a local boulangerie and find a spot along the Croisette, you won’t have to break the bank.

For accommodation, expect to pay around £100–£150 per night for a mid-range hotel, though Airbnb options can sometimes offer better value. Dining can be pricey in the tourist hotspots, but head a few streets back from the seafront and you’ll find more affordable (and arguably better) food.

What Else to Do in Cannes?

Beyond the fireworks, Cannes has plenty to offer. You can stroll through Le Suquet, the city’s old town, for charming cobbled streets and stunning views, or take a ferry to the nearby Lérins Islands for a bit of peace and quiet. Beach lovers can soak up the sun on the city’s public beaches (or splash out on a private one if you’re feeling fancy), while film buffs can check out the Palais des Festivals, where the famous Cannes Film Festival takes place.

If you fancy exploring beyond Cannes, the glamorous city of Nice is just a short train ride away, and the tiny but glitzy Monaco is within easy reach for a day trip – just don’t blow your entire holiday budget at the casino.

Diwali, India – A Festival of Lights Like No Other

Forget your standard fireworks display—Diwali is on a whole different level. Celebrated across India, this Hindu festival is an explosion of light, colour, and energy, making it one of the most mesmerising places to be when looking for a firework-fuelled holiday.

 While cities across the country mark the occasion in their own unique ways, places like Jaipur, Varanasi, and Delhi put on particularly spectacular shows.

Find out why fireworks are such a significant part of Diwali celebrations.

What Makes It Special?

Diwali isn’t just about fireworks—it’s a five-day festival celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Expect cities to be drenched in golden fairy lights, temples illuminated with thousands of oil lamps, and markets bursting with decorations and sweets. Then, come nightfall, the sky erupts in fireworks as people light up the heavens in celebration.

Unlike most firework festivals, where the spectacle is contained to a designated area, Diwali is everywhere. Walk through any major Indian city, and you’ll see families setting off their own fireworks, creating an immersive, 360-degree light show that feels completely chaotic yet utterly magical.

What to Expect

The festival is celebrated across India, but for a truly memorable experience, Varanasi is one of the best places to witness it. As one of the holiest cities in India, it offers a deeply spiritual and visual experience, with the River Ganges reflecting the glow of thousands of oil lamps, all while fireworks crackle above. Jaipur, known as the Pink City, is another prime spot, with its palaces and markets drenched in golden lights and some of the biggest public displays in the country.

Expect a constant stream of festivities, from traditional dance performances and music to endless amounts of food. The streets are packed with locals and tourists alike, so be prepared for an energetic, noisy, and unforgettable experience.

Budgeting for Your Trip

India is generally a budget-friendly destination, but prices do spike during Diwali as demand for flights and accommodation surges. If you’re staying in major cities like Delhi or Jaipur, you can find decent mid-range hotels for around £50 per night, while high-end hotels in prime locations will set you back £150 or more. For budget travellers, you can find decent guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels for as little as £10–£25 per night in most cities. In smaller towns or off-the-beaten-path locations, it can be even cheaper.

Food is incredibly affordable—local street food like samosas, jalebis, and Diwali sweets will cost next to nothing, while a meal in a good restaurant won’t break the bank either. The biggest cost will likely be flights, with return tickets from the UK averaging between £500 and £800, depending on when you book.

What Else to Do in India?

India is vast, so if you’re making the trip, it’s worth planning a longer stay. If you’re in Jaipur, explore its grand palaces, bustling bazaars, and the iconic Amber Fort. In Delhi, visit the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and Chandni Chowk market for an overload of sights, smells, and street food.

For a more serene experience, head to Agra to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise or venture south to Kerala for tranquil backwaters and lush greenery. If you’re in Varanasi for Diwali, take a boat ride on the Ganges at dawn to witness the morning rituals—it’s an unforgettable experience that provides a striking contrast to the festival’s night-time energy.

Tokyo, Japan – Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival

If you think fireworks are just for New Year's Eve, Japan would like to prove you wrong.

The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, held on the last Saturday of July, is Tokyo’s way of lighting up the summer. It’s not just a firework show—it’s a full-on pyrotechnic battle, where two rival firework companies compete to outdo each other in the most dazzling way possible. Think of it as a firework fight club.

What Makes It Unique

This isn’t your average ten-minute firework display. Sumidagawa stretches over an hour and a half, with around 20,000 fireworks exploding over the Sumida River. The event has been running since 1733 and was originally held to cheer people up during a particularly grim period of famine and disease. Centuries later, it's still going strong, with Tokyo turning out in droves to watch the night sky come alive.

The fireworks themselves are a mix of old and new. Traditional Japanese-style bursts form perfect spheres, while modern designs include multi-stage explosions, intricate patterns, and even fireworks shaped like smiley faces. And with Tokyo Skytree in the background, the whole thing looks even more spectacular.

What to Expect

One thing is certain—this festival pulls a crowd. More than a million people pack the riverside, many dressed in traditional summer kimono (yukata), making it one of the busiest nights of the year. The atmosphere is electric, with the streets lined with food stalls selling everything from takoyaki (octopus balls) to kakigori (shaved ice). If you’re not a fan of big crowds, this might not be the one for you, unless you manage to bag a spot on a river cruise or in a high-rise restaurant.

There are two launch sites near Sakura Bridge and Komagata Bridge, with the best viewing spots found at Sumida Park, Asakusa, and along the riverbanks. But be warned—people start marking out their spaces with picnic blankets from early in the morning. If you turn up at sunset expecting a front-row seat, you’ll be sorely disappointed.

Budget – What Will It Cost?

Flights from the UK to Tokyo generally range from £600 to £1,000 return, depending on when you book. Accommodation varies wildly—budget travellers can get by on £20 to £50 per night in capsule hotels or hostels, mid-range hotels will set you back around £80 to £150, while high-end stays can easily top £200 a night.

Eating out is refreshingly affordable. A street food meal or a quick bowl of ramen will cost around £5 to £15, while a mid-range restaurant meal will be around £20 to £40. If you’re feeling fancy, high-end dining in Tokyo can go well beyond that, but at least you’ll have a story to tell about the time you spent half your holiday budget on sushi.

Public transport is efficient and relatively cheap, with a daily metro pass costing around £5 to £7. Taxis, on the other hand, can be eye-wateringly expensive, so stick to trains and buses unless you fancy paying £30 to go two miles.

What Else to Do in Tokyo

A trip to Tokyo wouldn’t be complete without exploring a bit further. Shinjuku and Shibuya offer the neon-lit, fast-paced Tokyo you see in the films, complete with the world-famous Shibuya Crossing.

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple give you a glimpse into old Tokyo, while Akihabara is a paradise for tech lovers, anime fans, and anyone who’s ever wondered what a multi-storey arcade looks like.

If you’re into food, the outer Tsukiji market is the place for fresh sushi, and if the city gets too much, a day trip to Hakone or Mount Fuji provides a breath of fresh air and, if you're lucky, a perfect Fuji photo op.

Sydney, Australia – Sydney Harbour New Year’s Eve Fireworks

When it comes to New Year’s Eve fireworks, Sydney doesn’t just set the bar—it launches it into the sky, covers it in glitter, and makes sure the whole world watches.

As one of the first major cities to ring in the new year, Sydney treats its fireworks display like an Olympic event, complete with months of preparation, a jaw-dropping finale, and an audience of over a million people lining the harbour.

What Makes It Unique

Sydney’s fireworks display isn’t just big—it’s legendary. The show features more than 100,000 pyrotechnic effects launched from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and barges scattered across the water. The city’s stunning natural harbour acts as the perfect stage, making this one of the most photographed events in the world.

The spectacle is divided into two major displays: the family-friendly 9pm fireworks and the world-famous midnight show. The earlier display is perfect for families with young kids (or those who just like an early night), while the main event at midnight is broadcast to over a billion people worldwide.

What to Expect

Expect crowds. A lot of them. Over a million people turn out to see the fireworks in person, which means prime viewing spots are taken early. Some people start staking out their places in the morning, armed with picnic blankets, fold-out chairs, and enough snacks to last the day. Popular locations like Mrs Macquarie’s Point, the Royal Botanic Garden, and Circular Quay offer incredible views, but they fill up fast.

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, ticketed events at restaurants, rooftop bars, and boats on the harbour provide a comfortable (albeit pricey) way to enjoy the show. The atmosphere is buzzing, with live music, light shows, and an air of celebration that only grows as the clock ticks down to midnight.

What Else to Do in Sydney

Sydney isn’t just about the fireworks—this city is a dream destination in its own right. Bondi Beach is perfect for a post-NYE recovery swim, while the iconic Sydney Opera House offers everything from guided tours to world-class performances.

For a bit of adventure, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, while a ferry ride to Manly Beach is a more laid-back way to soak in the sights. Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, and the trendy suburbs of Newtown and Surry Hills are also well worth exploring.

If you're in town for a bit longer, a trip to the Blue Mountains or a wine-tasting tour in the Hunter Valley makes for a great day out. And let’s not forget the food—Sydney is packed with fantastic restaurants, from waterfront seafood spots to top-tier Asian cuisine.

Budget – What Will It Cost?

Flights from the UK to Sydney aren’t cheap, with return fares usually starting at around £900 and often exceeding £1,200, depending on the time of year. Accommodation prices skyrocket over New Year’s, so expect to pay anywhere from £100 to £250 per night for a mid-range hotel, while luxury stays easily surpass £400 a night.

Eating out in Sydney ranges from budget-friendly fish and chips on the beach (£10) to high-end dining experiences that will set you back £100 or more per person. A decent meal at a mid-range restaurant will usually cost around £20 to £40.

Public transport is efficient and reasonably priced, with daily travel passes costing around £10. However, during New Year’s Eve, certain ferry and train routes operate on special schedules, and some areas may require pre-booked transport.

New York City, United States – Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to witness the entire city of New York setting off fireworks for its birthday, look no further than Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks.

This annual extravaganza is the granddaddy of all American firework displays. The show is a full-on celebration of the United States, and if you’re lucky enough to be in the Big Apple for the occasion, you’re in for a treat.

What Makes It Unique

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks aren’t just about fireworks; they’re about making you feel like you’ve stepped into a patriotic movie scene. The display features some of the most sophisticated pyrotechnics in the world, with over 75,000 individual shells set off across five barges in the East River. For around 25 minutes, the sky is ablaze with every colour you can imagine, as huge firework rings and glittering stars are choreographed to music that’s broadcast live.

The fireworks themselves are launched from the river, which creates a spectacular visual effect as the skyline reflects the explosions. The show can be seen from a variety of iconic spots along the East River, with prime viewing locations like Brooklyn Bridge Park, Long Island City, and, of course, the Brooklyn Bridge itself.

What to Expect

Crowds. Huge, enthusiastic crowds. Over three million people pack the streets, piers, and parks to witness the display, so expect a bustling, electric atmosphere. If you’re planning on snagging a good viewing spot, you’ll need to get there early—really early. People start claiming their places hours before the show begins, with blankets, coolers, and even folding chairs in tow.

While the event is free to attend, it’s important to know that finding a prime spot will take some effort. You can expect to see New Yorkers bring out their competitive spirit, as everyone vies for the best view. And, naturally, when the fireworks finally start, there’s a collective gasp followed by raucous cheers as the sky is set on fire.

For those looking for a more relaxed (and less crowded) experience, there are plenty of rooftop bars and ticketed events where you can sip a cocktail while watching the pyrotechnic masterpiece unfold. A few well-placed rooftop venues even offer views of the fireworks directly over the river, adding an extra bit of magic to the whole evening.

What Else to Do in New York City

New York City needs no introduction—there’s always something to do. Once the fireworks are over, you’ll probably want to take a quick stroll to let the excitement settle. You’ll be surrounded by the lights of Times Square, the buzzing energy of Broadway, and, of course, the classic New York slice of pizza.

If you’re in town for a longer stay, be sure to take in Central Park, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or catch a Broadway show. If you're up for an adventure, take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the spectacular views of the skyline and the river. And, let’s not forget about shopping. Whether it’s designer fashion in SoHo or vintage finds in Williamsburg, you’re bound to find something to suit your taste.

For a more laid-back experience, head to one of New York’s many parks, like Prospect Park in Brooklyn or the High Line, an elevated park built on a former rail line. If you’ve got time, a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty or a visit to Ellis Island will add some history to your trip.

Budget – What Will It Cost?

New York City is known for being a bit on the expensive side, but the good news is, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks is completely free to watch. You’ll just need to factor in the cost of food, accommodation, and transport. Flights from the UK can vary, but you’ll typically be looking at prices from £350 to £700 for a return ticket, depending on when you book and the time of year.

Accommodation in New York is where things get pricey. A mid-range hotel room will set you back anywhere from £150 to £350 per night, and that’s before factoring in the premium prices during the summer months and especially around the 4th of July. If you’re looking for something more affordable, consider renting an Airbnb or booking a hotel a little further out from the city centre (but be prepared for some extra travel time).

Eating out in New York can be anything from a quick $5 slice of pizza to a $100+ steak at a fancy restaurant. The good news is there’s something for every budget—whether you’re in the mood for food trucks or Michelin-starred dining, the choices are endless.

Public transport is fairly reasonable, with a 7-day MetroCard costing around £30. However, keep in mind that during peak events like the 4th of July, public transport can get a bit more crowded, and certain areas may have restrictions. If you’re planning to catch a taxi or rideshare, expect to pay a bit more due to demand during this busy time.

Where Will You Visit This Year?

So, there you have it—five of the world’s most dazzling firework festivals, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and, of course, pyrotechnic magic. Whether you’re in the mood for a family-friendly display, a night of glamour, or a chance to celebrate like a local, these events promise memories that will last long after the final firework fades from the sky. While January might be a little dreary, it’s the perfect time to start dreaming of the fireworks-filled adventures that await you in 2025. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for a year of epic celebrations—because nothing says "holiday" quite like a sky full of sparks.

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